*These are general answers. Please follow any advice or warnings which may be written on the package.

How should CD-R/RW media be handled? What precautions should be taken?

Please hold the disc by the outer edge or by placing a finger in the center hole; be careful not touch the recording surface of the disc. Protect the recording surface from scratches, fingerprints, dust particles and smears.

Can labels/stickers be applied to the printed (pre-marked side) of the disc?

The use of stickers or labels is not recommended. When applying tape, a sticker or a label, it is possible to damage the recording surface from the application (rubbing) or the removal (peeling) of the labels. It is also possible that read errors may occur due to the unbalanced rotation of the disc caused by these labels.

Are there any precautions which should be taken when storing media?

After recording the CDs please remove the disc from the drive and be sure to return it to a jewel case or sleeve. Do not leave the disc in direct sunlight or in a hot and humid location.

What can be done when discs become dirty?

Carefully clean the disc with a soft, dry cloth. Commercially available CD cleaning liquids or ethyl alcohol can also be used. Do not use gasoline, kerosene, benzene, lacquer thinner, antistatic agents, or LP record cleaners, as they may damage the recording surface.

What precautions should be taken when marking the media?

When marking the disc for identification purposes, write only on the printed side using a soft, felt-tip marker. Avoid using a ball-point pen since this may damage the disc's surface and corrupt the data.

How long will the data last on CD-R/RW discs?

Generally the life of the media is said to be over 100 years. Tests have shown that RICOH CD-RW discs provide reliable data storage for more than 100 years when kept at 25 degrees.